Documentary, Wild Discovery -: Killer Crocodiles of Costa Rica <br /><br />The documentary "Wild Discovery - Killer Crocodiles of Costa Rica" (2003) is about the American crocodiles found in the rivers and tropical forests of Costa Rica. A significant portion of the film, and related content, focuses on the remarkable, true story of a local fisherman, Gilberto "Chito" Shedden, and his unique 20-year friendship with a rescued crocodile named Pocho. <br />Key Details of the Documentary & Related Story: <br />Synopsis: The documentary explores the world of these apex predators in their natural habitat, focusing on their lives and behaviors. A central element is the extraordinary bond between Chito and Pocho. Chito found a young, severely injured crocodile on the banks of the Reventazón River, shot in the head by a farmer, and nursed it back to health over several months. <br />The Unlikely Bond: After Pocho recovered, Chito released him into the wild, but the crocodile refused to leave, following the fisherman home. Pocho chose to stay with Chito and became part of his family. For over two decades, they swam and played together, a unique and surprising relationship that challenged conventional understanding of crocodile behavior. <br />Public Attention: Their story gained worldwide fame, leading them to perform a weekly show for tourists in a local artificial lake. This unusual friendship demonstrated an unexpected connection and trust that could form between a human and a wild animal. <br />Scientific Interest: The relationship sparked interest from scientists, like South African wildlife cinematographer Roger Horrocks, who speculated that the brain injury might have altered the crocodile's instinctive behavior. <br />Legacy: Pocho died of #natural causes in 2011 and was given a public funeral. Their story remains a testament to compassion and coexistence between humans and wildlife. Their friendship is also detailed in another documentary titled Touching the #Dragon. <br />KillerCrocodilesofostaRica #WildDiscovery #KillerCrocodiles: #CostaRica #Crocodiles: <br />
